Chapter 11
"I know we have a lot to talk about it, but there's something I need you to see first." Bucky said standing up, still holding onto Sam's hand like a lifeline.
"What is it?"
"Well, it's more like who..."
Who, was an understatement. Nothing could have prepared him for seeing his friend once again. There he was sitting at the kitchen table with his sister, nursing a cup of tea. He looked like himself, young and healthy. It was a much different look from the last time they saw each other when he gave him the shield. Though he was still an old man, he no longer looked it.
"Steve...is that really you man?"
"Yeah Sam, it's me." He said standing up to greet him properly. Though before he knew it the man was already in his arms, tears streaming down his face as he squeezed him tight. Steve hugged him back, equally overwhelmed by their reunion. Scenting him he could tell he'd had a rough week, though his scent was sweet now, the dullness hung around him like smog. His caramel-like scent had changed since he last saw him, it was warm and sugary but there was something more to it now. An earthy aroma coated him, almost toasting his normal scent. Something was familiar about it.
Wiping his eyes, Sam took a step a bit embarrassed at how emotional he had become. "I- I missed you so much," He spoke honestly, "I can't believe you're here though. I thought you would have forgotten about us."
"What?" Steve looked taken back, but he was the only one. "How could you think that? You mean the world to me, Sam. I could never forget you, or any of you."
"Can't blame him though, you did leave us." Bucky spoke up. "And you were gone for a long time."
"That's- yeah, alright I'll give you that, it's true." Steve moved closer to the two, bringing them in a group hug. "I left and I'm sorry. It was a dick move, but I'm here to stay now."
"Well, you were always a jerk."
"Not like you were any better, punk."
"Do you want the shield back?" Sam couldn't help but interject. The thought of giving up such a monument tugged at his heart. He had grown attached.
"Oh no darling, she's all yours. I'm retired now and-"
Sarah cleared her throat in the background, having had enough of their little reunion. She knew it was way past Sam's bedtime and the poor thing was exhausted. Seeing his friend again would only add to it. "As sweet as this is has been, It's getting a kind of late. I think the little one needs to head to bed soon."
"Sarah," Her brother warns.
"I'm only teasing Sammy...now go to bed."
He did, but not before inviting the others to stay overnight. They had the couch and an air mattress to spare. There was no need for them to get back on the highway and start looking for a hotel. At least that's what he told himself, that he rather be hospitable than admit he didn't want to leave the comfort of two alphas. Their scent alone was doing wonders for his pain, it was better than any cocktail of pills he could concoct.
With the residual effects of their pain-numbing scent, Sam took his sister's advice and got ready for bed. He made sure his guests were alright first though. He was nice like that. So nice that he found himself inviting them up to his own room. Just for a cuddle, nothing more than that. He just realized that it was cold out, and maybe they could huddle together for warmth. It was a horrible excuse, his nephews probably could have come up with something better but he was desperate.
"Of course doll, we'll keep you warm." Bucky said ready to lead him to bed.
"Always," Steve agreed.
There was tension between the two, not uncommon for alphas such as themselves. But with Sam laying in between them all vulnerable and longing for warmth, their egos could be put to rest, at least for the night. And as he gently wrapped himself in their arms, they forgot about it all. Their omega was more precious than a pissing contest. Feelings of adoration and care swarmed through their scents, making known how clearly they felt about him.
He relished in the change of their scent. It was dark and heavy but so fresh, like the woods before dawn when the sun was still low and the morning dew coated the leaves of the forest. Closing his eyes he prayed that he could make this moment last forever, but even that was tainted as his mind turned on him. How could he possibly enjoy this? They were strong and powerful and he was just...him. A guy who got lucky, but wasn't lucky enough.
Leaving her brother to deal with his friends, Sarah went to check up on her boys. They had been so patient today, careful not to be too loud or touchy with Sam. It was a different change of pace for sure, she still wasn't sure how they were coping with it. Though they seemed to sleep peacefully. Unaware of all the challenges Sam was getting ready to face.
"Mom," AJ asked before she left the room, "Why was uncle Sam so sad?"
"Well baby," She sucked in a breath not wanting to lie to her child, but not wanting to betray her brother either. "He's in love." There was no denying the truth.
"Shouldn't he be happy then?"
She huffed a quiet laugh at her boy's confused face. "Sometimes we don't always react the way we're supposed to, even to love. He's just a little confused right now, but he'll be okay."
"Okay...but why is he confused. Love is simple. I love you, and my brother, and all my uncles."
"Oh you do, huh? Well, I love you too." She said pressing a kiss to his head. "It should be simple, right? But some adults are silly, and they like to make things more complicated than they need to be. Your uncle Sam is silly too, he thinks he doesn't deserve to be loved."
"Yeah, that is silly."